Boston Celtics: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

Every year it seems the Boston Celtics are entwined in NBA trade rumors throughout the first few months of the season. If they end up making a move, one of these three players figures to be involved.

Seemingly always one piece away from true contention, the Boston Celtics are essentially married to trade rumors throughout the year. With plenty of young talent and draft picks at their disposal, it makes perfect sense for the speculation to run rampant.

It won’t be any different during the 2018-19 NBA season. Numerous teams are jockeying for position as we wait out the Golden State Warriors dynasty, meaning preparations for the future are at the forefront for many franchises. Although Boston may be entrenched as a contender, it doesn’t mean Danny Ainge isn’t also making moves to ensure the club’s long-term success.

That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised if the Celtics do some maneuvering in the coming months. While they’re seen as arguably the East’s best team, they still aren’t on Golden State’s level. It’s going to take another injection or two of star power for them to be seen as legitimate threats to the Warriors’ throne.

On top of that, a trade could also be made for future stability purposes as well. With a couple of key contracts set to expire soon, moving the players attached to them may just be in Boston’s best interests. Otherwise, you risk them signing elsewhere next July without getting anything in return for the time and resources spent making them worth signing.

It’s a twisted game of chess we see play out in the NBA every year, and the Celtics figure to be prominent players on the trade market in 2018-19. If a deal is done between now and the 2019 trade deadline, expect one of the following three players to be involved.